As the scenes of jubilation fizzle out at St James’ Park following Newcastle United’s takeover last week, the reality of their current situation comes back into focus.
The Magpies are currently second-bottom of the Premier League, without a win this season, and have just three points on the board. This is the current reality where Newcastle find themselves.
Newcastle fans may be dreaming of league titles and Champions League nights given that they are now backed by the richest owners in world football. However, this season is all about one thing and that is Premier League survival. Failing to do that would be an unmitigated disaster for the new Saudi owners. That’s why the next three months are crucial.
Reality Check Needed at Newcastle United
Steve Bruce Sacking Inevitable
One thing that is inevitable is that Steve Bruce will be sacked as manager of Newcastle. It is a matter of when not if Bruce will be relieved of his duties.
The big question will be who the Saudi owners will replace him with? The likes of Antonio Conte and Zinedine Zidane have been linked since the takeover. However, both managers are unlikely to want to join just now. This is because of where Newcastle are in the Premier League table and the fact they can’t bring any new players in until January.
Other names linked are the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter and the current favourite former Borrusia Dortmund boss Lucien Favre. Both may not be bothered by Newcastle’s current predicament and feel the job is an attractive one given the unlimited funds available.
Or do the new owners go for a short-term solution and just look to solidify their Premier League status before going after a big name in the summer?
Given how quickly the takeover happened last week, it is unclear whether the new owners have a plan in place. When they were linked with buying the club over 18 months ago, Rafa Benitez was the likely candidate to take charge once again at St James’ Park. But that ship has sailed and it will be interesting to see who they have in mind to replace Steve Bruce.
Meanwhile, the Newcastle fans appear to be happy with anybody as long as it means that Steve Bruce is sacked. In his two full seasons in charge, Newcastle have finished 13th and 12th. Has Steve Bruce really done a bad job at Newcastle? Does he deserve the stick he has received from Newcastle fans? The answer to both is no.
Next Three Months Will Shape January Spending
Following the takeover, Newcastle fans would be dreaming of signing Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland or even Harry Kane. However, that is a long way off just yet.
Newcastle have been linked with the likes of Phillipe Coutinho, Jesse Lingard, and Raheem Sterling as more realistic targets. But the next three months will shape their spending in January and who is likely to join the club.
Would the above want to join if Newcastle are near the bottom of the league and involved in a relegation scrap? The answer is probably no, no matter how much money they would be receiving each week. This is why if Newcastle fans expect big signings in January, they may be disappointed. If they are higher up in the Premier League table then that may change.
It may have been a long road for the new owners to complete the takeover. However, the real work begins now. If they don’t get results quickly, the Newcastle fans could turn just like they did with Mike Ashley.
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